A repressed matriarch and unfortunately exaggerated circumstances – a worrying earthquake, crushing debts, a dying ex-husband, an angry coworker and her son’s girlfriend – push her to the edge. The title “Hamon” is a standard Japanese word that literally means “waves” and metaphorically the effect we all have on others. This is emphasized several times in the film with scenes where the principals – wife, husband, son, etc. – stand in a shallow pond and the waves emanating from one character expand in the usual circular pattern to reach the others. It’s a pretty interesting visualization of interpersonal relationships, but nothing that couldn’t be applied to any film featuring humans. Or any living organism, really. The arc of the film follows the struggles of a Japanese housewife who is forced to deal with the sudden disappearance of her husband, the death of the husband’s father, the elopement. her only son in college, then a career that allows her to travel as far as she wants without leaving Japan (well, except for Okinawa), then the return of her prodigal husband. Events, among other things. There’s plenty of humor, plenty of slapstick, and a few awkward scenes with the deaf groom that the boy brings home unannounced. I think it’s worth watching even before the final scene, which was surprising, sobering, refreshing, and actually quite wonderful. Hey!